Planar board having strike indication and ease of retrieval

ABSTRACT

A planar board having ease of retrieval and strike indicator includes a base, a first and second fishing line release extending outward from the base, a rotary flag pivotally attached to said base, and at least one line retainer. The second fishing line release preferably has a means for positively retaining a fishing line. The fishing line is inserted into the first fishing line release, behind the positive retaining means of the second fishing line release, looped around an upstanding projection disposed on the rotary flag, and preferably inserted into at least one line retainer. When a fish strike occurs, the flag will be pulled downward. To retrieve the planar board into the boat, the user jerks the fishing line such that the fishing line is pulled out of the first fishing line release. The planar board also has other preferable embodiments which add or remove a fishing line release or remove the rotary flag.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part application of Ser. No. 09/209,702 filedon December 11, 1998, now pending.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to planar boards and morespecifically to a planar board with strike indication and ease ofretrieval which allows a user to see if a fish strike has occurred andfacilitates retrieval of the planar board.

2. Discussion of the Prior Art

Planar boards allow at least one fishing line to be fished at apredetermined distance from a trolling boat. The planar board tracks andpulls parallel to the side of the boat at the predetermined distance.Unfortunately, the planar board has no way of indicating whether a fishhas struck a lure attached to a line on the planar board. The planarboard will also not indicate if a lure is fouled in weeds or on thebottom of a lake. If a boat continues to pull a lure fouled in weeds oron the bottom of a lake, the planar board and all associated equipmentmay become lost if the fishing line snaps.

There have been a few prior art attempts to remedy the above situation.Unfortunately, all have different drawbacks. U.S. Pat. No. 4,028,840 toWille discloses a planar board with a squirming flag post. The drawbackto this design is that the line is attached to the end of the pole andwill not fully rise when a fish strikes the line. U.S. Pat. No.4,763,437 to Cuda discloses a double hull floating device which ispurposed for stream fishing and not trolling. U.S. Pat. No. 3,973,347 toKearney discloses a double hull floating device which is proposed forstill fishing and not trolling. Although the lighting device couldindicate a strike during the night, the lights would not be visibleduring the day. The lighting device mechanism also has numerouselements.

Another problem frequently encountered when a plurality of planar boardsare fished is retrieving an individual board after a fish has struck.The user must go through a careful and lengthy process of slowly lettingout the right amount of line to allow retrieval of the planar board toprevent it from becoming tangled with planar boards adjacent to it.

Accordingly, there is a clearly felt need in the art for a planar boardwith strike indicator which indicates whether a fish strike has occurredduring the day or night and a planar board which may be easily retrievedwhen fished with a plurality of adjacent planar boards.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a planarboard with strike indicator which indicates whether a fish strike hasoccurred during the day or night and a planar board which may be easilyretrieved when fished with a plurality of adjacent planar boards.

According to the present invention, a first embodiment of a planar boardwith strike indicator includes a base, a light source, a tip-upassembly, an actuation assembly, and a switch. The base can be a planarboard, or a right angle plate which may be fastened to an existingplanar board. The tip-up assembly includes an extension spring, a pole,and a flag disposed at the end of the pole. The light source may be alight bulb, a light emitting diode, or any suitable illumination device.The actuation assembly has an actuating fishing line release which ispivotally connected to a plunger. The actuating fishing line release isretarded from pivoting by the force generated from a compression spring.A nut is screwed on to a threaded second end of the plunger. The plungerhas a pole groove disposed at the second end which retains the pole ofthe tip-up assembly. A first ear and a second ear retain the actuationassembly and prevent release of the pole.

A fishing line is retained by a front fishing line release, and anactuating fishing line release. A slack portion is created in thefishing line between the front and actuating fishing line releases. Thefront fishing line release is rigidly attached to a projection at afront end of the base. A quick release guide is optional. The quickrelease guide is rigidly attached to a rear end of the base when used. Alure is attached to the end of the fishing line. The plunger slidesaxially through the first and second ears. An end of the actuatingfishing line release is formed into a cam surface which is pivotallyconnected to a first end of the plunger. The actuating fishing linerelease is prevented from pivoting by the force exerted from thecompression spring.

When a fish strikes the lure, the actuating fishing line release pivotsaway from the front fishing line release. The switch is formed from thesecond end of the plunger and an electrical contact pad. When a straightportion of the cam surface is overcome, the second end of the plunger isforced against the electrical contact pad, the pole is released todisplay a flag, and the light source emits light. A hot wire isconnected from an electrical power source to a contact sleeve which ismounted to the plunger. A connection wire is connected from theelectrical contact pad to a light source. When the second end of theplunger contacts the plunger pad, the light source is supplied withelectrical current.

In a second preferred embodiment, the planar board with strike indicatorutilizes a pivotal arm instead of an actuation assembly. The planarboard with strike indicator includes a base, a light source, a tip-upassembly, a pivotal arm, and a switch. The base can be a planar board,or a right angle plate which may be fastened to an existing planarboard. The tip-up assembly includes an extension spring, a pole, and aflag disposed at the end of the pole. The pivotal arm has a actuatingfishing line release which is rigidly fastened to a first end thereof.The second end of the pivotal arm retains the pole. Rotation of thepivotal arm is constrained by an arm extension spring which is fastenedto a rod.

A fishing line is retained by a front fishing line release, actuatingfishing line release. A slack portion is created in the fishing linebetween the front and actuating fishing line release. The front fishingline release is rigidly attached to a projection at a front end of thebase. A quick release guide is optional. The actuating fishing linerelease is rigidly fastened to the first end of the pivotal arm. Thequick release guide is rigidly attached to a rear end of the base whenused. A lure is attached to the end of the fishing line. When a fishstrikes the lure, the pivotal arm is pulled away from the front fishingline release. When the second end of the pivotal arm clears the pole ofthe tip-up assembly, the pole is released to display the flag. When thepole is released a switch closes and the light source is supplied withelectrical current.

In a third preferred embodiment, the planar board with strike indicatorutilizes a sliding rod instead of an actuation assembly. The planarboard with strike indicator includes a base, a light source, a tip-upassembly, a switch, and the sliding rod. The base can be a planar board,or a right angle plate which may be fastened to an existing planarboard. The tip-up assembly includes an extension spring, a pole, and aflag disposed at the end of the pole. The sliding rod has an actuatingfishing line release which is rigidly fastened to a first end thereof. Asecond end of the sliding rod retains the pole. A compression springbiases the fishing line release toward the pole.

A fishing line is retained by a front fishing line release, an actuatingfishing line release, and a rear fishing line release. A slack portionis created in the fishing line between the front and actuating fishingline releases. The front fishing line release is rigidly attached to aprojection at a front end of the base, and the rear fishing line releaseis rigidly attached to the base at a rear end. A lure is attached to anend of the fishing line. When a fish strikes the lure, the sliding rodis pulled back, and the pole is released from a retention clip. The rearfishing line release controls the amount of force required to releasethe pole. A nut threaded on to the sliding rod may be substituted forthe rear fishing line release. When the pole is released a switch closesand the light source is supplied with electrical current.

In a fourth preferred embodiment, the planar board with strike indicatorutilizes a rotating pole instead of an actuation assembly. The planarboard with strike indicator includes a base, a light source, a switch,and the rotating pole. The base can be a planar board, or a right angleplate which may be fastened to an existing planar board. The rotatingpole has an axle portion, a pole portion, and a flag disposed at the endof the pole. An actuating fishing line release is fastened to the end ofthe axle portion.

A fishing line is retained by a front fishing line release, an actuatingfishing line release, and a rear fishing line release. A slack portionis created in the fishing line between the front and actuating fishingline releases. The front fishing line release is rigidly attached to aprojection at a front end of the base, and the rear fishing line releaseis rigidly attached to the base at a rear end. A lure is attached to anend of the fishing line. When a fish strikes the lure, the actuatingfishing line release is rotated toward the rear fishing line release.The rear fishing line release controls the amount of force required torotate the rotating pole. The pole portion will remain in a verticalposition after the fish has struck because the rear fishing line releasemaintains a tight grip on the fishing line. When the pole portion is ina vertical position, a switch closes and the light source is suppliedwith electrical current.

In a fifth preferred embodiment, the planar board with strike indicatorutilizes a rotating pole instead of an actuation assembly. The planarboard with strike indicator includes a base, a light source, a switch,and the rotating pole. The base can be a planar board, or a right angleplate which may be fastened to an existing planar board. The rotatingpole has an axle portion, a pole portion, a release portion, and a flagdisposed at the end of the pole. The release portion extendsperpendicularly outward from the axle portion at a first end thereof andthe pole portion extends perpendicularly outward from the axle portionat a second end thereof. An actuating fishing line release is pivotallyfastened to the base and retains the release portion such that therotating pole is retained in a horizontal position. An extension springbiases the pole portion upward such that the rotating pole rises whenthe actuating fishing line release is rotated toward a rear fishing linerelease.

A fishing line is retained by a front fishing line release, theactuating fishing line release, and a rear fishing line release. A slackportion is created in the fishing line between the front and actuatingfishing line releases. The front fishing line release is rigidlyattached to a projection at a front end of the base, and the rearfishing line release is rigidly attached to the base at a rear end. Alure is attached to an end of the fishing line. When a fish strikes thelure, the actuating fishing line release is rotated toward the rearfishing line release. The rear fishing line release controls the amountof force required to release the rotating pole from a horizontalposition. The pole portion will remain in a raised position after thefish has struck because of the spring force exerted by the extensionspring. When the pole portion is released, a switch closes and the lightsource is supplied with electrical current.

In a sixth preferred embodiment, the planar board with strike indicatorutilizes a light source. The planar board with strike indicator includesa base, the light source, and a fishing line switch. The base can be aplanar board, or a right angle plate which may be fastened to anexisting planar board. A fishing line is retained by a front fishingline release, a line switch, and a rear fishing line release. A slackportion is created in the fishing line between the front fishing linerelease and the fishing line switch. The front fishing line release isrigidly attached to a projection at a front end of the base, and therear fishing line release is rigidly attached to the base at a rear end.A lure is attached to an end of the fishing line. When a fish strikesthe lure, the fishing line is pulled out of the fishing line switch, theswitch is closed and electrical current is sent to the light source froman electrical power source. The rear fishing line release controls theamount of force required to pull the fishing line out of the fishingline switch.

The illumination of the light source may be controlled by a displaycontrol device. The display control device has circuitry which sendseither a constant electrical current or a pulsed electrical current. Thepulsed electrical current causes the light source to flash.

In a seventh preferred embodiment, the planar board with strikeindicator utilizes a rotating fishing line release. The planar boardwith strike indicator includes a base, the controlled light source, therotating fishing line release, and a notch switch. The base can be aplanar board, or a plate which may be fastened to an existing planarboard. A fishing line is retained by a front fishing line release, arotating fishing line release, and a rear fishing line release. A slackportion is created in the fishing line between the front fishing linerelease and the rotating fishing line release. The front fishing linerelease is rigidly attached to a projection at a front end of the base,and the rear fishing line release is rigidly attached to the base at arear end. A lure is attached to an end of the fishing line.

The controlled light source includes a light source, a display controldevice, and an electrical power source. When a fish strikes the lure, arotating fishing line release rotates away from the front fishing linerelease. The notch switch opens and then shorts a first wire and asecond wire of the controlled light source together. The display controldevice of the controlled light source changes modes by either sending aconstant electrical current, or a pulsing electrical current to thelight source. The rear fishing line release controls the amount of forcerequired to pull the fishing line out of the fishing line switch. Thepulsed electrical current causes the light source to flash.

The pole of the tip-up assembly may also be fabricated from a flatspring steel strip. The flat spring steel strip would also havesufficient resilience to replace the extension spring. The electricalpower source may drive any electrically powered device including a lightsource, audible alarm, or electronic transmission device. More than onetype of electrically powered device may be put in parallel with theelectrical power source for multiple indications of a fish strike. Afluid mercury switch or a magnetic mercury switch may be used to replacethe mechanical switch of the first preferred embodiment. It is possibleto have a light source powered at all times, and to power otherelectrically powered devices when the switch is closed.

In an eighth preferred embodiment, the planar board with strikeindicator includes a base, a fishing line release extending outward fromthe base, a rotary flag, and two line retainers. The base can be aplanar board, or a plate which may be fastened to an existing planarboard. A fishing line is retained by the fishing line release, a firstline retainer, an upstanding projection, and a second line retainer. Thefishing line is firmly held by the fishing line release disposed atsubstantially the front of the base. The fishing line continues back tobe looped around a first line retainer disposed at the rear of the base.A rotary flag with a round base is pivotally attached to the base behindthe fishing line release. The fishing line is looped around anupstanding projection which is disposed on the pole of the flag. Thefishing line continues back to be looped around the second line retainerdisposed at the rear of the base, above the first line release.

Rotation of the round base of the rotary flag may be restrained in twodifferent ways. First, the rotation of the round base may be restrainedby axial spring pressure. A wing nut, knurl nut, or any nut which may berotated by finger pressure may be turned against a spring to increasepressure against the round base. Second, the rotation of the round basemay be restrained by radial pressure. At least one depression is formedin the outside diameter of the round base. A spring loaded pin isstructured to fit in the depression and restrain the rotary flag fromrotation. The pressure on the spring loaded pin is adjustable.

In operation, when a fish is hooked on the fishing line or the fishingline is snagged, the fishing line will be pulled back which will causethe rotary flag to rotate from a vertical position to a horizontalposition. The fishing line will eventually be pulled out of the firstand second line retainers and off the upstanding projection. The fishingline will be retained by the fishing line release and the flag will bein a horizontal position showing that a fish has struck or the fishingline is snagged in weeds or the like.

An optional night light may be fastened to the flag. The night lightincludes a light emitting diode (LED) inserted into substantially themiddle of a transparent tube. A clip device is inserted into a bottom ofthe transparent tube. Two wires go to a battery pack which may bedisposed on the base. The clip device of the night light is preferablyattached to the flag. The night light is turned on by inserting abattery or batteries into the battery pack.

A first embodiment of a planar board with ease of retrieval includes abase, a rigid pivot arm, a first fishing line release, and a secondfishing line release. The base may be a planar board, or a plate whichmay be fastened to an existing planar board. One end of the rigid pivotarm is attached to a second end of the first fishing line release. Theother end of the rigid pivot arm is pivotally attached to the base witha detent means at substantially a middle thereof. In a first position,the rigid pivot arm is substantially perpendicular to the length of thebase.

The first fishing line release preferably has means for positivelyretaining a fishing line. An example of means for positively retaining afishing line release is found U.S. Pat. No. 5,784,826 to Walker. Thesecond fishing line release is attached to the base at substantially anend thereof. The fishing line is inserted into the first and secondfishing line releases. After a fish strike occurs, the fishing line atthe fishing rod is pulled until the rigid pivot arm pivots such that therigid pivot arm is substantially perpendicular to the length of the basein a second position. A strike indicator may be included with the firstembodiment of the planar board with ease of retrieval.

A second embodiment of a planar board with ease of retrieval includes abase, a first fishing line release, a second fishing line release, andat least one line retainer. The base may be a planar board, or a platewhich may be fastened to an existing planar board. A first fishing linerelease extends outward from the base at substantially a middle thereof.A second fishing line release is attached to a front of the base.

The second fishing line release preferably has means for positivelyretaining a fishing line. At least one line retainer is attached to thebase at substantially the end thereof. The fishing line is insertedbehind the means for retaining a fishing line and inserted into the atleast one line retainer. After a fish strike occurs, the fishing line atthe fishing rod is pulled until the fishing line slips out of the firstfishing line release. A strike indicator may be included with the firstembodiment of the planar board with ease of retrieval.

A first embodiment of a planar board with strike indication and ease ofretrieval includes a base, a rigid pivot arm, a fishing line release, atleast one line retainer and a strike indicator. The base may be a planarboard, or a plate which may be fastened to an existing planar board. Oneend of the rigid pivot arm is attached to a second end of the fishingline release. The other end of the rigid pivot arm is pivotally attachedto the base. In a first position, the rigid pivot arm is substantiallyperpendicular to the length of the base.

The fishing line release preferably has means for positively retaining afishing line. First and second line retainers are attached tosubstantially an end of the base. The strike indicator is similar tothat disclosed in the eighth preferred embodiment of the planar boardwith strike indicator. The fishing line is inserted into the fishingline release, inserted into the first line retainer, placed around anupstanding projection disposed on the strike indicator, and insertedinto the second line retainer. After a fish strike occurs, the fishingline at the fishing rod is pulled until the rigid pivot arm pivots suchthat the rigid pivot arm is substantially parallel to the length of thebase in a second position.

A second embodiment of a planar board with strike indication and ease ofretrieval includes a base, at least two fishing line releases, a strikeindicator and at least one line retainer. The base may be a planarboard, or a plate which may be fastened to an existing planar board. Oneof the fishing line releases preferably has means for positivelyretaining a fishing line. An example of means for positively retaining afishing line release is found U.S. Pat. No. 5,784,826 to Walker. Bothfishing line releases are preferably attached to a projection platewhich extends from substantially a front of the base. The strikeindicator is pivotally mounted to the base. The at least one lineretainer is mounted at substantially the rear of the base. There arenumerous ways of arranging the fishing line relative to the fishing linereleases, strike indicator, and the at least one line retainer.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide aplanar board with strike indicator that shows whether a fish has strucka lure attached to a fishing line during the day.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a planarboard with strike indicator that shows whether a fish has struck a lureattached to a fishing line at night.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a planarboard with strike indicator that shows whether a lure is tangled inweeds or on the bottom of a lake during day or night.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a strikeindicator that may be fastened to an existing planar board to showwhether a fish has struck a lure during the day or night.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a planarboard with ease of retrieval for allowing a planar board to be taken inwith little effort on the part of the user.

Finally, it is another object of the present invention to provide aplanar board with ease of retrieval and strike indication which allows aplanar board to be taken in with little effort on the part of the userand shows whether a fish has struck a lure during the day or night.

These and additional objects, advantages, features and benefits of thepresent invention will become apparent from the following specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a planarboard with strike indicator in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an end view of a first preferred embodiment of a planar boardwith strike indicator in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3a is a top view of the actuation assembly before a fish has strucka fishing line in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3b is a top view of the actuation assembly after a fish has strucka fishing line in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of aplanar board with strike indicator in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a pivotal arm after a fish has struck a fishingline in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5a is a side view of an arm extension spring being retained by arod in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a pole being restrained by a secondend of a pivotal arm in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tip-up assembly with a magneticmercury switch in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a tip-up assembly with a fluid mercuryswitch in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a tip-up assembly with a pole fabricatedfrom a flat spring steel strip in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of aplanar board with strike indicator in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a pole being retained by a sliding rod inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of aplanar board with strike indicator in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fifth preferred embodiment of aplanar board with strike indicator in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a constantly powered light source withan electrically powered device which may be powered when a switch isclosed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a sixth preferred embodiment of aplanar board with strike indicator in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a light source with a display controlcircuit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a seventh preferred embodiment of aplanar board with strike indicator in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an eighth preferred embodiment of aplanar board with strike indicator in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 18a is a perspective view of a line retainer and a fishing line inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 18b is a side view of a line retainer in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 18c is a side view of a spring clip which retains a battery pack inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a top view of a round base of a flag being restrained fromrotation with a spring loaded pin in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of a round base of a rotary flag beingrestrained from rotation with a spring loaded pin in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of a round base of a rotary flag beingrestrained from rotation with a projection in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 22 is a rear view of a round base of in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a planar boardwith ease of retrieval in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a detent means in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 25 is a top view of a rigid pivot arm in a second position inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a top view of a trolling boat which is fishing six planarboards with ease of retrieval in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 26a is a top view of a trolling boat after the user has pulled onthe rigid pivoting arm in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a planar boardwith ease of retrieval in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a planar boardhaving ease of retrieval and strike indicator in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 29 is a partial cross-sectional view of a rigid pivot arm pivotallyattached to a base in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a partial top view of a rigid pivot arm pivotally attached toa base in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a planar boardhaving strike indication and ease of retrieval with a first preferredmethod of routing a fishing line in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a planar boardhaving strike indication and ease of retrieval with a second preferredmethod of routing a fishing line in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a planar boardhaving strike indication and ease of retrieval with a third preferredmethod of routing a fishing line in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a planar boardhaving strike indication and ease of retrieval with a fourth preferredmethod of routing a fishing line in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a planar boardhaving strike indication and ease of retrieval with a fifth preferredmethod of routing a fishing line in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of a fishing clip having a pin used asa positive retaining means in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a fishing clip having prongs used as apositive retaining means in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of a fishing clip utilizing a camlever to force two opposing pads together in accordance with the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, there isshown a perspective view of a planar board with strike indicator 1. Theplanar board with strike indicator 1 includes a base, a light source 15,a tip-up assembly 16, an actuation assembly 18, and a switch 20. Thebase can be a planar board 12, or a right angle plate 10 which may befastened to an existing planar board. If the right angle plate 10 isused, a layer of plastic foam may be required between the existingplanar board and the right angle plate 10 to compensate for lostbuoyancy due to the extra weight of the right angle plate 10 and anyitems mounted thereupon. The plastic foam may be styrofoam, urethane, orany related material with has similar buoyant properties. The tip-upassembly 16 includes an extension spring 22, a pole 24, and a flag 26disposed at the end of the pole 24. An end of the extension spring 22 isconcentrically fastened to the pole 24, and the other end of theextension spring 22 is rigidly fastened to the right angle plate 10. Thenormal position of the pole 24 is perpendicular to the right angle plate10. Downward force is required to overcome the spring force of theextension spring 22 to orient the pole 24 parallel to the right angleplate 10.

With reference to FIG. 2, the actuation assembly 18 has a fishing linerelease 28 which is pivotally connected to a plunger 30. The switch 20is formed from a second end 36 of the plunger 30, and an electricalcontact pad 21. The actuating fishing line release 28 is retarded frompivoting by the force generated from a compression spring 32. The forceexerted by the compression spring 32 may be varied through rotation of anut 34 which is screwed on to the second end 36 of the plunger 30.Variation of force may also be achieved by holding the nut 34stationary, and rotating the plunger 30. An increase in force requires astronger strike by a fish to release the pole 24. The plunger 30 has apole groove 38 disposed at the second end 36 which retains the pole 24.A first ear 50 and a second ear 52 slidably retain the plunger 30. A tab42 extending from the second ear 52 restrains the pole 24 until theplunger 30 is actuated.

A fishing line 44 is retained by a front fishing line release 46, anactuating fishing line release 28, and a quick release guide 48. Thequick release guide 48 allows the fish line to be quickly and easilyremoved. A slack portion is created in the fishing line 44 between thefront fishing line release 46 and the actuating fishing line release 28.The front fishing line release 46 is rigidly attached to a projection 47which protrudes outward from the base at a front end. The quick releaseguide 48 is rigidly attached to the base at a rear end. The use of thequick release guide 48 is optional. A lure is attached to the end of thefishing line 44. The plunger 30 slides axially through the first ear 50and the second ear 52. With reference to FIG. 3a, an end of the fishingline release 28 is formed into a cam surface 54 which is pivotallyconnected to a first end 35 of the plunger 30. The fishing line release28 is prevented from pivoting by the force exerted by the compressionspring 32.

With reference to FIG. 3b, when a fish strikes a lure attached to thefishing line 44, the actuating fishing line release 28 pivots away fromthe front fishing line release 46. When a straight portion 56 of the camsurface 54 is overcome, the plunger 30 is forced and retained againstthe electrical contact pad 21, the pole 24 is released to display theflag 26, and the light source 15 emits light. A hot wire 60 is connectedfrom a positive terminal of an electrical power source 14 to a contactsleeve 33 which is mounted to the plunger 30. The hot wire 60 may alsobe fastened directly to the first ear 50 or the second ear 52 instead ofthe contact sleeve 33. A connection wire 62 is connected from theelectrical contact pad 21 to the light source 15. A negative terminal ofthe electrical power source 14 is also attached to the light source 15.When the second end 36 of the plunger 30 contacts the plunger pad 21,the light source 15 is supplied with electric current. Any electricallypowered device including the light source 15, an audible alarm, or anelectronic transmission device may be activated to show that a fish hasstruck. Multiple electrically powered devices can be connected inparallel to the electrical power source 14.

In a second preferred embodiment, the planar board with strike indicator2 utilizes a pivotal arm 68 instead of the actuation assembly 18. Theplanar board with strike indicator 2 includes a base, a light source 90,a tip-up assembly 72, a switch 74, and the pivotal arm 68. The base canbe a planar board 66, or a right angle plate 64 which may be fastened toan existing planar board. If the right angle plate 64 is used, a layerof plastic foam may be required between the existing planar board andthe right angle plate 64 to compensate for lost buoyancy due to theextra weight of the right angle plate 64 and any items mountedthereupon. The tip-up assembly 72 includes an extension spring 76, apole 78, and a flag 80 disposed at the end of the pole 78. An end of theextension spring 76 is concentrically fastened to the pole 78, and theother end of the extension spring 76 is rigidly fastened to the rightangle plate 64. The normal position of the pole 78 is perpendicular tothe right angle plate 64. Downward force is required to overcome thespring force of the extension spring 76 to orient the pole 78 parallelto the right angle plate 64.

The pivotal arm 68 has an actuating fishing line release 82 which isrigidly fastened to a first end 84 of the pivotal arm 68. With referenceto FIGS. 5 & 6, an arm extension spring 106 prevents the pivotal arm 68from releasing the pole 78. The spring force exerted by the armextension spring 106, can be adjusted with an adjustment nut 112. Oneend of the arm extension spring 106 is placed over a turned over end 109of a rod 108, and the opposite end is inserted through a hole in thefirst end 84 of the pivotal arm 68. The rod 108 is inserted through aprojection 110. The location of the rod 108 is maintained by theadjustment nut 112. An increase in force by the arm extension spring 106requires a stronger strike by a fish to release the pole 122.

A fishing line 92 is retained by a front fishing line release 94, anactuating fishing line release 82, and a quick release guide release 96.The quick release guide 96 allows the fishing line to be quickly andeasily removed. A slack portion is created in the fishing line 92between the front fishing line release 94, and the actuating fishingline release 82. The front fishing line release 94 is rigidly attachedto a projection 95 which protrudes outward from the base at a front end.The quick release guide 96 is rigidly attached to the base at a rearend. The use of the quick release guide 96 is optional. A lure isattached to an end of the fishing line 92.

When a fish strikes the lure, the pivotal arm 68 is rotated away fromthe front fishing line release 94. The rotation of the pivotal arm 68 isconstrained by a stop pin 100. When the second end 86 of the pivotal arm68 clears the pole 78 which is horizontally constrained in a retainer75; the pole 78 is released to display the flag 80. A first wire 102 isconnected from a positive terminal of an electrical power source 70 tothe switch 74. A second wire 104 is connected from the switch to thelight source 90. A negative terminal of the electrical power source 70is also attached to the light source 90. When the pole 78 is released,the switch is closed and the light source 90 is supplied with electricalcurrent. Any electrically powered device including the light source 15,an audible alarm, or an electronic transmission device may be activatedto show that a fish has struck. Multiple electrically powered devicescan be connected in parallel to the electrical power source 70.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a tip-up assembly 126 with a magneticmercury switch 113. This type of switch is used in burglary systems forindicating when a door or window has been opened. The switch pole 118 ofthe magnetic mercury switch 113 is fastened to the base 120. The magnetpole 124 of the magnetic mercury switch 113 is fastened to a pole 122 ofthe tip-up assembly 126. When the tip-up assembly 126 is released thecircuit is closed between a first wire 114 and a second wire 116. Anyelectrically powered device connected to an electrical power source willbe activated. The magnetic mercury switch 113 may be substituted for theelectrical contact pad 21 and the plunger 30. The first wire 114 andsecond wire 116 replace the hot wire 60 and the connection wire 62 ofthe first preferred embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a tip-up assembly 128 with a fluidmercury switch 136. The fluid mercury switch 136 is fastened to a pole134 of the tip-up assembly 128 such that an open circuit is created whenthe tip-up assembly 128 is in a horizontal position. When the tip-upassembly 126 is released, the circuit is closed between a first wire 130and a second wire 132. Any electrically powered device connected to anelectrical power source will be activated. The fluid mercury switch 136may be substituted for the electrical contact pad 21 and the plunger 30.The first wire 114 and second wire 116 replace the hot wire 60 andconnection wire 62 of the first preferred embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a preferred embodiment of a tip-up assembly 138 having aflat spring steel pole 140 and a flag 142. The plunger 30, or a pivotingarm 144 with a stop pin 146 can be used to retain the tip-up assembly ina horizontal position.

FIG. 10 shows a third preferred embodiment of the planar board withstrike indicator 3. The planar board with strike indicator 3 utilizes asliding rod 162 instead of the actuation assembly 18. The planar boardwith strike indicator 3 includes a base, a light source 153, a tip-upassembly 154, a switch 176, and the sliding rod 162. The base can be aplanar board 150, or a right angle plate 148 which may be fastened to anexisting planar board. If the right angle plate 148 is used, a layer ofplastic foam may be required between the existing planar board and theright angle plate 148 to compensate for lost buoyancy due to the extraweight of the right angle plate 148 and any items mounted thereupon. Thetip-up assembly 154 includes a pole 156, and a flag 158 disposed at theend of the pole 156. The pole 156 is fabricated from a strip of springsteel. The tip-up assembly 154 may also be the same type used in thefirst embodiment, with an extension spring, a rigid pole, and a flag.The normal position of the pole 156 is perpendicular to the right angleplate 148. Downward force is required to overcome the spring force ofthe pole 156 to orient thereof parallel to the right angle plate 148.

The sliding rod 162 is slidably retained by a first ear 164 and a secondear 166. The sliding rod 162 has an actuating fishing line release 160which is rigidly fastened to a first end 163 of the sliding rod 162.With reference to FIG. 11, a retention clip 174 fastened to a second endof the sliding rod 162. The retention clip 174 retains the pole 156 in ahorizontal position. The actuating fishing line release 160 is biasedtoward the pole 156 by a compression spring 182 and a retaining pin 184.A fishing line 168 is retained by a front fishing line release 170, anactuating fishing line release 160, and a rear fishing line release 172.A nut may be substituted for the retaining pin 184. Rotation of thesliding rod 162 relative to the nut would allow adjustment of the springforce exerted by the compression spring 182. If the nut is substitutedfor the retaining pin 184, the rear fishing line release 172 may not berequired. Increasing the pressure exerted by the rear fishing linerelease 172 on the fishing line 168, or increasing the force of thecompression spring 182 requires a stronger strike by a fish to releasethe pole 156. A slack portion is created in the fishing line 168 betweenthe front fishing line release 170, and the actuating fishing linerelease 160. The front fishing line release 170 is rigidly attached to aprojection 171 which protrudes outward from the base at a front end. Therear fishing line release 172 is rigidly attached to the base at a rearend. A lure is attached to the end of the fishing line 168.

When a fish strikes the lure, the sliding rod 162 is pulled away fromthe tip-up assembly 174; the pole 176 is released from under theretention clip 174. The rear fishing line release 172 may be used tocontrol the amount of force required to release the pole 156 or as aline guide. If the nut is substituted for the retaining pin 184,rotation of the sliding rod 162 controls the amount of force required torelease the pole 156. When the pole 156 is released, a switch 176 isclosed and the light source 153 is supplied with electrical current. Theswitch 176 can be either a magnetic mercury switch or a fluid mercuryswitch. A first wire 178 is connected from a positive terminal of anelectrical power source 152 to the switch 176. A second wire 180 isconnected from the switch 176 to the light source 153. A negativeterminal of the electrical power source 152 is also attached to thelight source 153. Any electrically powered device including the lightsource 153, an audible alarm, or an electronic transmission device maybe activated to show that a fish has struck. Multiple electricallypowered devices can be connected in parallel to the electrical powersource 152.

FIG. 12 shows a fourth preferred embodiment of the planar board withstrike indicator 4. The planar board with strike indicator 4 utilizes arotating pole 208 instead of the actuation assembly 18 and the tip-upassembly 16. The planar board with strike indicator 4 includes a base, alight source 215, a switch 240, and the rotating pole 208. The base canbe a planar board 212, or a right angle plate 210 which may be fastenedto an existing planar board. If the right angle plate 212 is used, alayer of plastic foam may be required between the existing planar boardand the right angle plate 210 to compensate for lost buoyancy due to theextra weight of the right angle plate 210 and any items mountedthereupon. The rotating pole 208 has an axle portion 228, a pole portion232, and a flag 234 disposed at the end of the pole portion 232. Anactuating fishing line release 218 is fastened to the end of the axleportion 228. The normal position of the pole portion 228 isperpendicular to the right angle plate 210. The axle portion 228 isrotatably retained by a first axle ear 226 and a second axle ear 230.

A fishing line 222 is retained by a front fishing line release 216, anactuating fishing line release 218, and a rear fishing line release 220.Increasing the pressure exerted by the rear fishing line release 220 onthe fishing line 222 requires a stronger strike by a fish to raise thepole portion 232. A slack portion is created in the fishing line 222between the front fishing line release 216, and the actuating fishingline release 218. The front fishing line release 216 is rigidly attachedto a projection 224 which protrudes outward from the base at a frontend. The rear fishing line release 220 is rigidly attached to the baseat a rear end. A lure is attached to the end of the fishing line 222.

When a fish strikes the lure, the actuating fishing line release 218 isrotated toward the rear fishing line release 220. The rear fishing linerelease 220 is used to control the amount of force required to releasethe pole portion 228. When the pole portion is raised, the switch 240 isclosed and the light source 215 is supplied with electrical current. Theswitch 240 can be either a magnetic mercury switch or a fluid mercuryswitch. A first wire 236 is connected from a positive terminal of anelectrical power source 214 to the switch 240. A second wire 238 isconnected from the switch 240 to the light source 215. A negativeterminal of the electrical power source 214 is also attached to thelight source 215. Any electrically powered device including the lightsource 215, an audible alarm, or an electronic transmission device maybe activated to show that a fish has struck. Multiple electricallypowered devices may be connected in parallel to the electrical powersource 214.

FIG. 13 shows a fifth preferred embodiment of the planar board withstrike indicator 5. The planar board with strike indicator 5 utilizes arotating pole 308 instead of the actuation assembly 18 and the tip-upassembly 16. The planar board with strike indicator 5 includes a base, alight source 315, a switch 336, and the rotating pole 308. The base canbe a planar board 312, or a right angle plate 310 which may be fastenedto an existing planar board. If the right angle plate 310 is used, alayer of plastic foam may be required between the existing planar boardand the right angle plate 310 to compensate for lost buoyancy due to theextra weight of the right angle plate 310 and any items mountedthereupon. The rotating pole has an axle portion 328, a pole portion334, a release portion 337, and a flag 342 disposed at the end of thepole portion 334. The release portion 337 extends perpendicularlyoutward from the axle portion 328 at a first end 327 thereof and thepole portion 334 extends outward perpendicularly outward from the axleportion at a second end 329 thereof. The axle portion 328 is rotatablyretained by a first axle ear 326 and a second axle ear 332. An actuatingfishing line release 318 is pivotally fastened to the base and retainsthe release portion 337 such that the rotating pole 308 is retained in ahorizontal position. A hole is formed through an end of the actuatingfishing line release 318. A stud 331 is fastened to the base, theactuating fishing line release 318 is placed over the stud 331. Acompression spring 346 is placed over the stud 331 and a wing nut 344 isthreaded on to thereof. The wing nut 344, the stud 331, and thecompression spring 346 are utilized to restrain the actuating fishingline release 318 from unnecessary rotation. An extension spring 330biases the pole portion 334 upward such that the rotating pole 308 riseswhen the actuating fishing line release 318 is rotated toward a rearfishing line release 320. Downward force is required to overcome thespring force of the extension spring 330 to orient thereof parallel tothe right angle plate 310. A torsion spring may be substituted for theextension spring 330. An end of the torsion spring would be fastened tothe axle portion, an opposite end thereof would be constrained by thebase.

A fishing line 322 is retained by a front fishing line release 316, anactuating fishing line release 318, and a rear fishing line release 320.Increasing the pressure exerted by the rear fishing line release 320 onthe fishing line 322 requires a stronger strike by a fish to release thepole 156. A slack portion is created in the fishing line 322 between thefront fishing line release 316, and the actuating fishing line release318. The front fishing line release 316 is rigidly attached to aprojection 324 which protrudes outward from the base at a front end. Therear fishing line release 320 is rigidly attached to the base at a rearend. A lure is attached to the end of the fishing line 322.

When a fish strikes the lure, the actuating fishing line release 318 isrotated toward the rear fishing line release 320. The rear fishing linerelease 320 controls the amount of force required to release therotating pole 308. The pole portion 334 will remain in a raised positionafter the fish has struck because of the spring force exerted by theextension spring 330. When the pole portion 334 is released, a switch336 is closed and the light source 315 is supplied with electricalcurrent. The switch 336 can be either a magnetic mercury switch or afluid mercury switch. A first wire 338 is connected from a positiveterminal of an electrical power source 314 to the switch 336. A secondwire 338 is connected from the switch 336 to the light source 315. Anegative terminal of the electrical power source 314 is also attached tothe light source 315. Any electrically powered device including thelight source 315, an audible alarm, or an electronic transmission devicemay be activated to show that a fish has struck. Multiple electricallypowered devices can be connected in parallel to the electrical powersource 314. The rotating pole 308 may be substituted for the actuationassembly 18 and the tip-up assembly 16 of the first preferred embodimentof the planar board with strike indicator 1.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic diagram of a constantly powered light source366 with an electrically powered device 364 which may be powered by anelectrical power source 360 when a switch 362 is closed. It may beadvantageous to constantly illuminate a planar board during night timefishing. A flag made of reflective material would be visible when a poleis released. The switch 362 may be used in conjunction with theconstantly powered light source 366 to indicate a fish strike. When theswitch 362 closes, an audible alarm 364 may sound, or an electronictransmission device may send out a message. The constantly powered lightsource 366 may be adapted for use with preferred embodiments one throughfive.

FIG. 15 shows a sixth preferred embodiment of the planar board withstrike indicator 6. The planar board with strike indicator 6 utilizes alight source 415 instead of the actuation assembly 18 and the tip-upassembly 16. The planar board with strike indicator 6 includes a base,the light source 415, and a fishing line switch 417. The base can be aplanar board 412, or a right angle plate 410 which may be fastened to anexisting planar board. If the right angle plate 410 is used, a layer ofplastic foam may be required between the existing planar board and theright angle plate 410 to compensate for lost buoyancy due to the extraweight of the right angle plate 410 and any items mounted thereupon. Afishing line 418 is retained by a front fishing line release 416, thefishing line switch 417, and a rear fishing line release 450.

The fishing line switch includes a switch base 424, a wiper 422, a firstcontact pad 428, and a second contact switch 430. The first contact pad428 is attached to the switch base 424 and the second contact pad 430 isattached to the wiper 422. A stud 444 extends outward from the switchbase 424 and passes through an opening in the wiper 422. A lift tab 431extends outward from the wiper 422 to facilitate the manipulationthereof. A compression spring 448 is placed over the stud 444, and afinger nut 446 preloads the compression spring 448. The fishing line 418is held between the first contact pad 428 and the second contact pad430. The pressure applied to retain the fishing line 418 between thewiper 422 and the switch base 424 is controlled by rotation of thefinger nut 446. A first anti-rotation finger 426 and a secondanti-rotation finger 427 extend outward from the switch base 424 andprevent the wiper 422 from rotating relative to the switch base 424.

A slack portion is created in the fishing line 418 between the frontfishing line release 416, and the fishing line switch 417. The frontfishing line release 416 is rigidly attached to a projection 420 whichprotrudes outward from the base at a front end. The rear fishing linerelease 450 is rigidly attached to the base at a rear end. A lure isattached to the end of the fishing line 418. Increasing the pressureexerted by the rear fishing line release 450 on the fishing line 418requires a stronger strike by a fish to pull the fishing line 418 out ofthe fishing line switch 417. When the fishing line 418 is pulled out ofthe fishing line switch 417, the first contact pad 428 and the secondcontact pad 430 make electrical contact; the light source 415 issupplied with electrical current. A first wire 440 is connected from thelight source 415 to the first contact pad 428. A second wire 442 isconnected from the second contact pad 430 to the positive terminal of anelectrical power source 414. A negative terminal of the electrical powersource 414 is also attached to the light source 415. Any electricallypowered device including the light source 415, an audible alarm, or anelectronic transmission device may be activated to show that a fish hasstruck. Multiple electrically powered devices may be connected inparallel to the electrical power source 414.

FIG. 16 shows a schematic diagram of a light source with a displaycontrol circuit 460. The illumination of the light source 464 may becontrolled by the display control device 460. The display control device460 has circuitry which supplies either a constant electrical current ora pulsed electrical current. The pulsed electrical current causes thelight source to flash. The display control circuit 460 is controlled byshorting a first line 470 to a second line 472. Shorting the first line470 to the second line 472 may be implemented by a momentary switch 468,or a normally open switch 466. The fishing line switch 417 may be usedas a normally open switch 466. The display control circuit 460 has threemodes. The first mode is off, the second mode is a constant supply ofcurrent, and the third mode is pulsed current. The first line 470 isshorted to the second line 472 to advance to the next mode. Themomentary switch 468 is used to advance to the proper mode, once afishing line is placed between the switch base 424 and the wiper 422. Itis preferred that the display control circuit 460 be started in aconstant current mode. When a fishing line is pulled out of the fishingline switch 417, the display control circuit 460 is advanced to a pulsedcurrent mode. The display control circuit is commonly manufactured fornight time bicycle riding.

FIG. 17 shows a seventh preferred embodiment of the planar board withstrike indicator 7. The planar board with strike indicator 7 utilizes arotating fishing line release 532 instead of the actuation assembly 18and the tip-up assembly 16. The planar board with strike indicator 7includes a base, a controlled light source 514, the rotating fishingline release 532, and a notch switch 520. The base can be a planar board512, or a plate 510 which may be fastened to an existing planar board.If the plate 510 is used, a layer of plastic foam may be requiredbetween the existing planar board and the plate 510 to compensate forlost buoyancy due to the extra weight of the plate 510 and any itemsmounted thereupon.

The rotating fishing line release 532 has a notch 550 disposed at an endand a fishing line release at an opposite end. The rotating fishing linerelease 532 is pivotally connected to the base. A stud 529 is fastenedto the base, and a hole is formed in the rotating fishing line release532 to provide clearance for thereof. A compression spring 528 is placedover the stud 529, and a finger nut 530 is threaded on to the stud 529.Tightening of the finger nut 530 creates resistance to the pivotalmotion of the rotating fishing line release 532. A pole 546 is fastenedto the rotating fishing line release 532 and a flag 548 is fastened tothe pole 546. The notch switch 520 has a conductive base 544, a terminal526, and a notch wiper 522. The terminal 526 is fastened andelectrically connected to the conductive base 544. An insulating spacer540 is fastened to the conductive base and a wiper holder 542 to theinsulating spacer 540. The notch wiper 522 is fastened to the baseholder 542. The notch wiper 522 includes a wiper offset 554 which issized to be received by the notch 550.

A fishing line 516 is retained by a front fishing line release 518, therotating fishing line release 532, and a rear fishing line release 524.Increasing the pressure exerted by the rear fishing line release 524 onthe fishing line 518 requires a stronger strike by a fish to rotate therotating fishing line release 532. A slack portion is created in thefishing line 516 between the front fishing line release 518, and therotating fishing line release 532. The front fishing line release 518 isrigidly attached to a projection 538 which protrudes outward from thebase at a front end. The rear fishing line release 524 is rigidlyattached to the base at a rear end. A lure is attached to the end of thefishing line 516.

The controlled light source 514 includes a light source, a displaycontrol device, and an electrical power source. When a fish strikes thelure, the rotating fishing line release 532 rotates away from the frontfishing line release 518, the offset 554 is forced out of the notch 550which opens the connection between a first wire 534 and a second wire536 of the controlled light source 514. The offset 554 of the notchwiper 522 will ride on the outside contour of the rotating fishing linerelease 532. The notch wiper 522 will contact the terminal 526 when therotating fishing line release 532 rotates far enough to strike the stoppin 556.

When the rotating fishing line release is stopped by the stop pin 556,the flag 548 is lowered indicating a fish strike. The display controldevice of the controlled light source 514 changes modes when the firstwire 534 and the second wire 536 are shorted together. When the firstwire 534 and the second wire 536 are shorted, the display control devicewill send a constant electrical current, or a pulsing electrical currentto the light source. The controlled light source 514 is commonlymanufactured for night time bicycle riding.

FIG. 18 shows an eight preferred embodiment of the planar board withstrike indicator 8. The planar board with strike indicator 8 includes abase 610, a fishing line release 614 extending outward from the base610, a rotary flag 616, a first line retainer 618, and a second lineretainer 620. The base can be a planar board 612, or a plate 610 whichmay be fastened to an existing planar board. If the plate 610 is used, alayer of plastic foam may be required between the existing planar boardand the plate 610 to compensate for lost buoyancy due to the extraweight of the plate 610 and any items mounted thereupon.

One end of a projection plate 622 is fastened to the base 610 atsubstantially the front end of the base 610. The fishing line release614 is fastened to the other end of the projection plate 622. A fishingline 624 is retained by the fishing line release 614, a first lineretainer 618, an upstanding projection 626, and a second line retainer620. With reference to FIGS. 18a and 18b, the fishing line 624 is pulledback to the first line retainer 618 and looped thereunder. The lineretainers have a gap 619 on the bottom thereof, the height of the gap issmaller at the front than at the rear to provide resistance to thefishing line 624 slipping out of the front of the line retainer. Thefishing line 624 is then wrapped around the upstanding projection 626which is disposed on a shaft 628 of the rotary flag 616.

The rotary flag 616 has a round base 630 which is pivotally attached tothe base 610 behind the fishing line release 614. Rotation of the roundbase 630 may be restrained in two different ways. First, rotation of theround base 630 may be restrained by axial spring pressure. A wing nut634, a knurl nut, or any nut which may be threaded by finger pressure onto a threaded fastener means 635 and tightened against a compressionspring 632 to make rotation of the rotary flag 616 more difficult. Thethreaded fastener means 635 includes any type of bolt. Second, therotation of the round base 630 may be restrained by radial pressure.With reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, at least one depression 636 is formedin the outside diameter of the round base. The round base 630' ispivotally connected to the base 610 with a fastener means 637. Thefastener means 637 includes any type of fastener device which willpivotally connect the round base 630' to the base 610. A spring loadedpin 638 is structured to fit in the depression 636 and restrain therotary flag 616' from rotation. Pressure on the spring loaded pin 638may be made adjustable. The spring loaded pin 638 is constrained in ablock 640. A compression spring 642 forces the spring loaded pin 638into the at least one depression 636. A wing bolt 644, knurled bolt, orany bolt which may be rotated by finger pressure is threaded into theblock 640 at the end opposite the spring loaded pin 638. The rotation ofthe wing bolt 644 will make it more difficult to rotate the rotary flag616'. Axial or radial spring force being increased on the round boss,requires a stronger strike by a fish to rotate the rotary flag.

The at least one depression 636 could also be formed in the ends of theround base. The spring loaded pin 638, block 640, compression spring642, and wing bolt 644 could be mounted to the base 610 to accommodatethe at least one depression 662 in either end of the round base 630'.The adjustability of the spring loaded pin 638 is preferable, but couldalso be made to be nonadjustable. Making the depression 636 deeper willrequire a harder fish strike to rotate the rotary flag 616'.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show a projection 664 disposed in a depression 662formed in the rear end of a round base 630". The projection 664 ispreferably a rivet which is fastened to the base 610'. The projection664 could be any fastener with a rounded head. At least one depression662 is formed in the round base 630". It also possible to fasten morethan one projection 664 to the base 610'. More than one projection 664would provide smoother movement when the round base 630" is rotated;more depressions 662 would be needed to accommodate more than one moreprojection 664. The projection 664 in the depression 662 structureprovides more resistance to rotation of the rotary flag 616'.

In operation when a fish is hooked on the fishing line 624, or thefishing line 624 is snagged, tension on the fishing line 624 increasesuntil the force exerted by the tension on the fishing line 624 overcomesthe force exerted by the spring pin 638 in the depression 636 and therotary flag rotates from a vertical position to a horizontal position.The fishing line 624 will be pulled off the upstanding projection 626and then out of the first and second line retainers. The fishing line624 will be retained by the fishing line release 614 and the rotary flagwill be in a horizontal position showing that a fish has struck.

An optional night light 646 may be fastened to the flag 648. The nightlight 646 includes a light emitting diode (LED) 650 inserted intosubstantially the middle of a transparent tube 652. A top of thetransparent tube 652 is filed with a silicon composition 651. Thesilicon composition 651 acts as a lens for the LED 650. A clip device654 is inserted into a bottom of the transparent tube 652 and sealedinto the tube with the silicon composition 651. Two wires 656 go to abattery pack 658 which may be disposed on the base 610. The clip device654 of the night light 646 is preferably attached to the flag 648. Thenight light 646 is turned on by inserting a battery or batteries 660into the battery pack 658. The battery pack 658 is preferably retainedby the base 610 with a spring clip 661. The spring clip 661 is attachedto the base 610 and the battery pack 658 is retained by the downwardspring force of the spring clip 661 as shown in FIG. 18c beforeinsertion of a battery pack 658.

FIG. 23 shows a first embodiment of a planar board with ease ofretrieval 9 which includes a base, a rigid pivot arm 714, a firstfishing line release 716, and a second fishing line release 718. Thebase may be a planar board 712, or a plate 710 which may be fastened toan existing planar board. One end of the rigid pivot arm 714 is attachedto a second end of the first fishing line release 716. The other end ofthe rigid pivot arm 714 is pivotally attached to a detent means 719. Thedetent means 719 is attached to substantially the middle of the base710. In a first position, the rigid pivot arm 714 is retainedsubstantially perpendicular to the length of the base by the detentmeans 719.

FIG. 24 shows a cross-sectional view of a detent assembly 721. Thedetent assembly 721 includes a thumb screw 722, a detent block 724, acompression spring 726 and a detent pin 728. The detent block 724 isattached to the base 710. The detent pin 728 fits into a detent cavity730 in the rigid pivot arm 714. The force exerted by the detent pin 728against the detent cavity 730 may be varied by rotation of the thumbscrew 722. The detent assembly 721 prevents the rigid pivot arm 714 fromrotating unless the fishing line 720 at the fishing rod is pulled by theuser. The detent means 719 should not limited to the detent assembly721, but could include any method of restraining the rigid pivot armfrom pivoting after a radial force is applied thereto. A nut means 634,compression spring 632, and threaded fastener means 635 in FIG. 18 mayalso be used as a restraining means to inhibit rotation of the rigidpivot arm 714 until a sufficient force is applied.

The first fishing line release 716 is preferably a safety fishing linerelease. The safety fishing line release has means for positivelyretaining a fishing line 720 to prevent thereof from escaping the firstend of the first fishing line release 716. It is preferable to use a pin727 as the means for positively retaining a fishing line 720 as shown inFIG. 24. Other retaining means could be used besides the pin 727. Thesecond fishing line release 718 is preferably attached to the base 710with a swivel ring 723 and an eye bolt 725. The swivel ring 723 isfastened to the second end of the second fishing line release 718 andthe swivel ring 723 is inserted into the eye bolt 725. The eye bolt 725is attached to the base 710. The fishing line 720 is retained in thefirst and second fishing line releases. After a fish strike occurs, thefishing line 720 at the fishing rod is pulled until the rigid pivot arm714 pivots from a first position to a second position such that therigid pivot arm 714 is substantially parallel to the length of the base710 as shown in FIG. 25. A strike indicator may be included with thefirst embodiment of the planar board with ease of retrieval 9.

FIG. 26 shows a plurality of planar boards with ease of retrieval 9being fished from a trolling boat 732. In FIG. 26a, a fish has struckthe middle planar board 734, to retrieve the fish, middle planar board734 must be brought into the trolling boat 732 without tangling theother fishing lines. To bring in the middle planar board 734, the usermust first let out the fishing line 737 until the middle planar board734 reaches position A. The middle planar board 734 must be let out farenough to clear an end of an inside fishing line 733, or 20-30 feetbehind an inside planar board 739.

After the middle planar board 734 is in position A; the fishing line 737is given a hard pull. The rigid pivot arm 714 will pivot such that it issubstantially parallel to the length of the middle planar board 734 in asecond position; the middle planar board 734 will then track to positionB. If the rigid pivot arm 714 is not pivotable, the middle planar board734 will remain in position A and have to be pulled in very close to theinside planar board 739. Maneuvering the middle planar board 734 soclose to the inside planar board 739 will frequently result in tanglingwith the inside planar board 739. To retrieve the fish from middleplanar board 734, the fishing rod 735 is moved such that the fish may bereeled in from the back of the boat instead of the side.

FIG. 27 shows a second embodiment of a planar board with ease ofretrieval 11. The planar board with ease of retrieval 11 includes abase, a first fishing line release 764, a second fishing line release766, and at least one line retainer 768. The base may be a planar board762, or a plate 760 which may be fastened to an existing planar board.The first fishing line release 764 is preferably attached to a firstprojection plate 772 which is attached to the base 760 at substantiallya middle thereof. A second fishing line release 766 is preferablyattached to a second projection plate 774 which is attached to a frontof the base 760.

The second fishing line release 766 preferably has means for positivelyretaining the fishing line 770. It is preferable to use a pin 727 as themeans for positively retaining a fishing line 720 as shown in FIG. 24.Other retaining means could be used besides the pin 727. The at leastone line retainer 768 is attached to the base 760 at the end thereof.The fishing line 720 is inserted into the first fishing line release766, the second fishing line release 768, and behind the at least oneretainer 768.

With reference to FIG. 26, the planar board with ease of retrieval 11works in the following manner. After a fish strike occurs, the fishingline 770 is let out to a position A such that the planar board with easeof retrieval 11 clears the end of the longest fishing line, or is 20-30feet behind the inside planar board. The fishing line 770 is then pulledout of the first fishing line release 764 by the user; the planar boardwith ease of retrieval 11 will then track to a position B. To retrievethe fish from middle planar board 734, the fishing rod is moved suchthat the fish may be reeled in from the back of the boat instead of theside. A strike indicator may be included with the second embodiment ofthe planar board with ease of retrieval 11.

FIG. 28 shows a first embodiment of a planar board with ease ofretrieval and strike indicator 13 including a base, a rigid pivot arm814, a fishing line release 816, at least one line retainer and a strikeindicator 818. The base may be a planar board 812, or a plate 810 whichmay be fastened to an existing planar board 812. One end of the rigidpivot arm 814 is attached to a second end of the fishing line release816. With reference to FIG. 29, the other end of the rigid pivot arm 814is pivotally attached to a support plate 820 which is attached to thebase 810. In a first position, the rigid pivot arm 814 is retained in asubstantially perpendicular to the length of the base by a stop 822 andthe strike indicator 818.

The fishing line release 816 is preferably a safety fishing linerelease. The safety fishing line release has means for positivelyretaining a fishing line 828 to prevent thereof from escaping the firstend of the fishing line release 816. It is preferable to use a pin 727as the means for positively retaining a fishing line 720 as shown inFIG. 24. Other retaining means could be used besides the pin 727. Afirst line retainer 824 and a second line retainer 826 are attached tosubstantially an end of the base 810. Preferably, the strike indicator818 is similar to that shown in the eighth preferred embodiment of theplanar board with strike indicator. The fishing line 828 is insertedinto the fishing line release 816, inserted into the first line retainer824, placed around an upstanding projection 830 disposed on the strikeindicator 818, and inserted into the second line retainer 826.

After a fish strike occurs, the fishing line 828 at the fishing rod ispulled until the rigid pivot arm 814 pivots from a first position to asecond position such that the rigid pivot arm 714 is substantiallyparallel to the length of the base 710 as shown in FIG. 30.

FIG. 31 shows a second embodiment of a planar board with ease ofretrieval and strike indicator 17 including a base, a first fishing linerelease 944, a second fishing line release 946, a third fishing linerelease 948, at least one line retainer 950, and a rotary flag 952. Thebase may be an existing planar board 942, or a plate 940 which may befastened to the existing planar board 942. The fishing line releases arepreferably attached to a projection plate 947 which extends outward fromthe base. The plate 940 preferably has a plurality of holes 954 and theexisting planar board 942 has at least two holes. The at least two holes954 in the existing planar board 942 are preferably disposed where thebolt heads 956 are shown. The plate 940 may be positioned bothhorizontally and vertically relative to the existing planar board 942.The position of the plate 940 relative to the existing planar board 942will change the angle "A" of the line fishing line 936 relative to theboat 732 as shown in FIG. 31a. The at least one line retainer 950 allowsa fishing line to be snapped into and out of the retaining area 951. Thesize of the retaining area allows the fishing line to freely slidetherethrough.

The rotary flag 952 includes a round base 958, a shaft 964, anupstanding projection 966, and a flag 968. The round base 958 ispivotally attached to the base. The shaft 964 extends from upward fromthe round base 958. The flag 968 is attached to the end of the shaft964. The upstanding projection 966 is disposed substantially adjacentthe flag 968. Rotation of the round base 958 is preferably restrained byaxial spring pressure. A wing nut 962, a knurl nut, or any nut may bethreaded by finger pressure on to a threaded fastener means 961 andtightened against a compression spring 960 to inhibit rotation of rotaryflag 952. The threaded fastener means 961 includes any type of bolt. Therotary flag 952 may also be restrained by radial pressure as illustratedin FIG. 20.

The second fishing line release 946 preferably has a positive retainingmeans such as the pin 970 disclosed in FIG. 36 or the prongs 982disclosed in FIG. 37. Other retaining means could be used besides thepin 970 and the prongs 982. Each fishing line release preferably has twoopposing frictional pads: items 972 and 974 in FIG. 36, items 986 and988 in FIG. 37, and items 992 and 994 in FIG. 38. The opposingfrictional pads are forced against each other with arms 978 and 980 inFIG. 36; arms 988 and 990 in FIG. 37; and arms 996 and 998 in FIG. 38.The arms may be forced together with a spring 976 as shown in FIG. 36 ora cam operated lever 1000 as shown in FIG. 38. The fictional pads arepreferably fabricated from a material such as rubber which hassufficient grip to restrain a fishing line 973 from slipping. The armsare preferably fabricated from a molded thermoplastic material or astamped metal. The fishing line 973 is retained behind the pin 970 inFIG. 36; the prongs 982 in FIG. 37, and the pin 970 in FIG. 38.

The fishing line 936 is preferably retained in the first fishing linerelease 944, second fishing line release 946, and third fishing linerelease 948. The fishing line 936 is preferably retained behind thepositive retaining means of the second fishing line release 946. Thefishing line 936 is snapped into at least two line retainers 950 andaround the upstanding projection 966. The choice of line retainer 950will effect the angle "A" of the fishing line 936 relative to the boat732 in FIG. 31a. When a fish strike occurs, the flag will be pulleddownward. To retrieve the planar board 17 into the boat, the user jerksthe fishing line 936 such that the fishing line 936 is pulled out of thefirst fishing line release 944 as previously explained in specificationand illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 26a. The side of the planar board 17will also change position from being perpendicular to the water to beingparallel to the water after the fishing line 936 is jerked out of thefirst fishing line release 944.

FIG. 32 shows a fishing line 936 preferably retained in the firstfishing line release 944, and the second fishing line release 946. Thefishing line 936 is preferably retained behind the positive retainingmeans of the second fishing line release 946. The fishing line 936 issnapped into at least two line retainers 950 and around the upstandingprojection 966. The choice of line retainer 950 will effect the angle"A" of the fishing line 936 relative to the boat 732. When a fish strikeoccurs, the flag 968 will be pulled downward. To retrieve the planarboard 17 into the boat, the user jerks the fishing line 936 such thatthereof is pulled out of the first fishing line release 944 aspreviously explained previously in the specification and illustrated inFIGS. 26 and 26a. The side of the planar board 17 will also changeposition from being perpendicular to the water to being parallel to thewater after the fishing line 936 is jerked out of the first fishing linerelease 944.

FIG. 33 shows a fishing line 936 preferably retained in the firstfishing line release 944, second fishing line release 946 and thirdfishing line release 948. The fishing line 936 is preferably retainedbehind the positive retaining means of the second fishing line release946. The fishing line 936 is snapped into the line retainers 950 andaround the upstanding projection 966. The choice of line retainer 950will effect the angle "A" of the fishing line 936 relative to the boat732. When a fish strike occurs, the fishing line 936 will be pulled outof the line retainer 950. To retrieve the planar board 17 into the boat,the user jerks the fishing line 936 such that the line is pulled out ofthe first fishing line release 944 as previously explained in thespecification and illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 26a. The side of theplanar board 17 will also change position from being perpendicular tothe water to being parallel to the water after the fishing line 936 isjerked out of the first fishing line release 944.

FIG. 34 shows a fishing line 936 preferably retained in the firstfishing line release 944, second fishing line release 946', and thirdfishing line release 948. The fishing line 936 is preferably retainedbehind the positive retaining means of the second fishing line release946'. To retrieve the planar board 17 into the boat, the user jerks thefishing line 936 such that the line is pulled out of the first fishingline release 944 as previously explained in the specification andillustrated in FIGS. 26 and 26a. The side of the planar board 17 willalso change position from being perpendicular to the water to beingparallel to the water after the fishing line 936 is jerked out of thefirst fishing line release 944.

FIG. 35 shows a fishing line 936 retained in the first fishing linerelease 944". The fishing line 936 is retained behind the positiveretaining means of the first fishing line release 944". When a fishstrike occurs, the side of the planar board 17 will change position frombeing perpendicular to the water to being parallel to the water.

One important advantage of the positive retaining means is that it doesnot allow the planar board 17 to slide back and hit the fish as someother fishing line releases do. The positive retaining means keeps thefishing line firmly griped between the opposing frictional pads of thefishing line release.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changesand modifications may be made without departing from the invention inits broader aspects, and therefore, the aim in the appended claims is tocover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spiritand scope of the invention.

I claim:
 1. A planar board with strike indicator and ease of retrievalin combination with a fishing line, the combination comprising:a base;and a fishing line release extending from said base, said fishing linerelease having a pair of arms engaged with each other at a first endthereof, a pad being attached to each arm at a second end thereof, saidpad being fabricated from a different material than each arm of saidpair of arms, said fishing line release having two prongs for positivelyretaining a fishing line.
 2. The planar board with strike indicator andease of retrieval in combination with a fishing line, the combination ofclaim 1, further comprising:said base including an existing planar boardand a plate, said plate being positionable both horizontally andvertically relative to said existing planar board.
 3. The planar boardwith strike indicator and ease of retrieval in combination with afishing line, the combination of claim 1, further comprising:aprojection plate extending from said base, said fishing line releasebeing attached to said projection plate.
 4. The planar board with strikeindicator and ease of retrieval in combination with a fishing line, thecombination of claim 1, further comprising:said pair of arms beingforced together with a cam operated device.
 5. A planar board withstrike indicator and ease of retrieval in combination with a fishingline, the combination comprising:a base; a first fishing line releasewhich extends from said base; a second fishing line release whichextends from said base, said second fishing line release having a pinfor positively retaining the fishing line; and a third fishing linerelease which extends from said base the fishing line being retained bysaid first fishing line release and third fishing line release, thefishing line being retained behind said pin for positively retaining thefishing line of said second fishing line release.
 6. The planar boardwith strike indicator and ease of retrieval in combination with afishing line, the combination of claim 5, further comprising:at leastone line retainer being attached to said base at substantially an endthereof, the fishing line being inserted into said at least one lineretainer.
 7. The planar board with strike indicator and ease ofretrieval in combination with a fishing line, the combination of claim5, further comprising:said base including an existing planar board and aplate, said plate being positionable both horizontally and verticallyrelative to said existing planar board.
 8. The planar board with strikeindicator and ease of retrieval in combination with a fishing line, thecombination of claim 5, further comprising:a projection plate extendingfrom said base, said fishing line releases being attached to saidprojection plate.
 9. The planar board with strike indicator and ease ofretrieval in combination with a fishing line, the combination of claim5, further comprising:each said fishing line release having a pair ofopposing pads, said pair of opposing pads being disposed on a pair ofarms.
 10. The planar board with strike indicator and ease of retrievalin combination with a fishing line, the combination of claim 5, furthercomprising:at least one of said fishing line releases having a pair ofarms which are forced together with a cam operated device.
 11. A planarboard with strike indicator and ease of retrieval in combination with afishing line, the combination comprising:a base; a first fishing linerelease which extends from said base; a second fishing line releasewhich extends from said base, said second fishing line release havingtwo prongs for positively retaining the fishing line; and a thirdfishing line release which extends from said base, wherein the fishingline being retained by said first fishing line release and third fishingline release, the fishing line being retained behind said two prongs forpositively retaining the fishing line of said second fishing linerelease.
 12. The planar board with strike indicator and ease ofretrieval in combination with a fishing line, the combination of claim11, further comprising:at least one line retainer being attached to saidbase at substantially an end thereof, the fishing line being insertedinto said at least one line retainer.
 13. The planar board with strikeindicator and ease of retrieval in combination with a fishing line, thecombination of claim 11, further comprising:said base including anexisting planar board and a plate, said plate being positionable bothhorizontally and vertically relative to said existing planar board. 14.The planar board with strike indicator and ease of retrieval incombination with a fishing line, the combination of claim 11, furthercomprising:a projection plate extending from said base, said fishingline releases being attached to said projection plate.
 15. The planarboard with strike indicator and ease of retrieval in combination with afishing line, the combination of claim 11, further comprising:each saidfishing line release having a pair of opposing pads, said pair ofopposing pads being disposed on a pair of arms.
 16. The planar boardwith strike indicator and ease of retrieval in combination with afishing line, the combination of claim 11, further comprising:at leastone of said fishing line releases having a pair of arms which are forcedtogether with a cam operated device.
 17. A planar board with strikeindicator and ease of retrieval in combination with a fishing line, thecombination comprising:a base; a rotary flag having a shaft, said rotaryflag being pivotally attached to said base; a first fishing line releaseextending from said base; a second fishing line release extending fromsaid base, said second fishing line release having a means forpositively retaining the fishing line; at least one line retainer beingattached to said base at substantially an end thereof; and an upstandingprojection which is fastened to said shaft, wherein the fishing linebeing retained by said first fishing line release, the fishing linebeing retained behind said positive retaining means, the fishing linebeing looped around said upstanding projection, the fishing line beingretained by said at least one line retainer.
 18. The planar board withstrike indicator and ease of retrieval in combination with a fishingline, the combination of claim 17, further comprising:a third fishingline release extending from said base, the fishing line being retainedin said third fishing line release.
 19. The planar board with strikeindicator and ease of retrieval in combination with a fishing line, thecombination of claim 17, further comprising:said base including anexisting planar board and a plate, said plate being positionable bothhorizontally and vertically relative to said existing planar board. 20.The planar board with strike indicator and ease of retrieval incombination with a fishing line, the combination of claim 17, furthercomprising:a projection plate extending from said base, said fishingline releases being attached to said projection plate.
 21. The planarboard with strike indicator and ease of retrieval in combination with afishing line, the combination of claim 17, further comprising:saidrotary flag having a round base, said round base being pivotallyattached to said base by a threaded fastener, a spring, and a nut,wherein tightening of said nut, increasing the amount of force requiredto pivot said rotary flag.
 22. The planar board with strike indicatorand ease of retrieval in combination with a fishing line, thecombination of claim 17, further comprising:said means for positivelyretaining the fishing line being a pin.
 23. The planar board with strikeindicator and ease of retrieval in combination with a fishing line, thecombination of claim 17, further comprising:said means for positivelyretaining the fishing line being two prongs.
 24. The planar board withstrike indicator and ease of retrieval in combination with a fishingline, the combination of claim 17, further comprising:each said fishingline release having a pair of opposing pads, said pair of opposing padsbeing disposed on a pair of arms.
 25. The planar board with strikeindicator and ease of retrieval in combination with a fishing line, thecombination of claim 17, further comprising:at least one of said fishingline releases having a pair of arms which are forced together with a camoperated device.